Rival Sons have accomplished one hell of a lot in a comparatively short time. Their self-released debut EP was strong enough to land them supports with AC/DC and Alice Cooper, and with exposure like that, the potential for stratospheric success was already laid before being snagged by a label. It was 2012’s ‘Head Down,’ their second album for Earache that really broke the band internationally, and it’s easy enough to understand why: an album steeped in all things classic rock, with a soulful twist courtesy of Jay Buchanan’s distinctive vocal, it had range and quality. They’ve been on an upward trajectory ever since, and with album number five, they’ve maintained their musical momentum.
Kicking off with ‘Hollow Bones Part I’, a thumping Zeppelinesque riff-led beast, makes for a strong start, and it sets the standard – and the form – for the album as a whole. They take the pace down for ‘Tied Up,’ and instead turn up the soul and the swagger, while calling to mind classic a 70s vintage. But while so many bands who push a retro vibe sound like they’re trying too hard, there’s a naturalness and an authentic feel about Rival Sons.
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There’s a more psychedelic edge to the heavy blues of ‘Baby Boy’, and ‘Pretty Face’ brings a lighter, almost poppy edge to proceedings, albeit driven by a screamin’ surf rock guitar and strolling bass. The hefty blues rock workout of Humble Pie’s ‘Black Coffee’ sits well alongside the original compositions and illustrates the handle these guys have on what makes a great rock record. After the thunder of ‘Hollow Bones Pt 2’, ‘All That I Want’ rounds the album off in an altogether gentler fashion, a moment of reflection with paired-down instrumentation. It makes for a nice contrast by way of a conclusion to a strong album.
Rival Sons Online
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